A palpable buzz of excitement flutters around the black and white marble lobby of the InterContinental NY Barclay Hotel in Midtown. Like a breathe of fresh air, the hotel’s classic elegance beckons you to come in and make yourself at home. Following a game-changing 20-month, $180 million dollar renovation, the property recently reopened to unveil stunning new features, sophisticated design and one jaw-dropping new penthouse that has everyone talking.

At the InterContinental NY Barclay, more than 42 languages are spoken amongst the staff, and more than a third of the guests hail from outside of the US on any given night. General Manager Hervé Houdré proudly embraces his property’s global appeal, and aims to make the InterContinental NY Barclay ‘the most international hotel in the most international city’. He’s about to draw even more of an illustrious crowd with the impressively redesigned Presidential Suite and the brand new, standard-setting Harold S. Vanderbilt Penthouse.

Rebuffing momentary design trends, the renovation revolved around sophisticated luxury, which Houdré says, reflects ‘quintessential New York’. Built in 1926 as one of New York’s first ‘Railroad’ hotels, the designers of the renovation aimed to echo the classic 20’s feel, while giving the property a fresh, updated style and best-in-class amenities.

Prior to its renovation, the InterContinental NY Barclay’s Presidential Suite already had an impressive guest list, including President Clinton and President Obama. Strolling the marble hallways of the 3,300 square foot suite, you notice gold and red details, historical accents, and elegant furniture. An office fit for our nation’s leaders offers plenty of space to conduct business, while a gorgeous baby grand piano sits as the focal point of the living room.

In the master bedroom, a regal chandelier hangs about a plush king-sized bed, outfitted with the finest of linens. The room exudes refined elegance without being over the top. An air of stateliness continues into the the dressing room and breathtaking bathroom. At first glance, the stunning porcelain tub will catch your eye, but you’ll ultimately end up swooning over the grand steam shower fit for a king.

Just one floor up, lies the real gem of the renovation. The brand new six-room Harold S. Vanderbilt Penthouse takes your breath away from the moment you walk in. In addition to two luxurious bedrooms and magnificent living space, the penthouse boasts a 1300 sq ft private rooftop terrace with unbeatable views of the Chrysler Building and the city lights all around.

Indoors, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create a palatial living space, where New York-inspired works of art adorn the shelves surrounding a massive television screen comprised of 9 large-individual screens. Embracing its hometown history, the suite’s modern Federalist design incorporates rich colors like slate grey, navy, and gold in a way that breaths new life into a classic palette.

The 3,000 square foot indoor space can accommodate six overnight guests and dozens more for a dinner party or event. We found the classic-luxury style of the property to be wildly refreshing, and the penthouse’s private rooftop has to be one of the coolest spaces we’ve experienced in all of New York City. A big champagne cheers to Mr. Houdré and his team for a sophisticated, standard-setting renovation at one of New York’s most iconic hotels, the InterContinental NY Barclay.